As good as La Grande's softball team was the last two seasons, the Tigers were overshadowed by their Greater Oregon League rival, Pendleton. Of La Grande's nine losses in 2023 and 2024, seven came against the Buckaroos, including 14-0 and 13-6 losses in the 4A quarterfinals. So even though the Tigers have been laying waste to their competition so far this season, outscoring foes 206-62 in a 17-0 start, they know their true measure will come against reigning state champion Pendleton (13-0). The teams meet for the first time this season in a Friday doubleheader at Pendleton. The Buckaroos and Tigers – ranked No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, in the OSAAtoday 4A coaches poll -- are tied for first place in the GOL at 4-0. “Hopefully, we get past the mental part right now,” said Tigers coach Walt Anderson, whose team will play host to the Buckaroos in a doubleheader May 16. “Even if we split the series with them 2-2, that's still good for us. I never underestimate them.” La Grande, which was undone by three errors in last year's playoff loss to Pendleton, knows it can't afford any big mistakes. “They're kind of like us. They can hit the ball, we can hit the ball,” Anderson said. “It's going to come down to errors, the mental error.” The Tigers returned all but two starters from a team that finished 19-4 last season. That includes two four-year varsity players in pitcher Carlee Strand and catcher Marti Anderson, who have signed with Southern Oregon and College of Idaho, respectively. Like last year, La Grande is battering opposing pitchers. The Tigers are averaging 12.1 runs per game, up from 10.9 last season. They have been held in check only twice, in beating Crook County 3-2 and Lewiston (Idaho) 2-1. “We hit the ball last year, but we're more consistent hitting the ball this year,” Anderson said. “Defensively, we didn't start out very well, but we've cleaned it up since spring break. That's made a difference. “Last year's team was more sound defensively than this year's team. But this year's team is making a really good adjustment in the second half.” Marti Anderson has been a force in the No. 3 slot, hitting .500 and leading the team with seven homers and 32 RBIs. Senior left fielder Paige Allen, back with the team after missing her junior season to focus on wrestling (she has signed to wrestle at Eastern Oregon), is batting a team-high .542 with five homers and 27 RBIs. Junior third baseman Cassidy Hogge is hitting .479 with one homer and 16 RBIs in the leadoff spot. Junior shortstop Maddie Seavert (.491, two homers, 19 RBIs, 27 runs), junior center fielder Peyton Daggett (.439, three homers, 22 RBIs), junior second baseman Joselynn Dodds (.425) and Strand (.392, two homers, 13 RBIs) also are producing at the plate. Strand has been excellent in the circle. In 56 innings, she has allowed 27 hits, struck out 85 and walked 19. She has an ERA of 1.13. La Grande won its only state titles in 2018 and 2019, under coaches Kirk Travis and Woody Wright, respectively. The Tigers made the semifinals in 2022, losing to eventual champion Cascade 5-3, before falling in the quarterfinals the last two years. La Grande has the pieces to get back on top this season. The Tigers wouldn't mind waiting until the final to run into Pendleton again. “We've just got to stay away from each other, get in opposite ends of the bracket,” Walt Anderson said. “But we have no control over that. You've just got to win. We've beaten them before.” Junior Kami Vance drove in seven runs, including a grand slam, to lead 3A Lakeview past 2A/1A No. 4 Grant Union/Prairie City 10-9 in the first game of a doubleheader Saturday. … No. 3 North Douglas took sole possession of first place in 2A/1A Special District 5 with a 2-1 road win over co-No. 10 Oakland on April 18. Senior lefty Brooklyn Cyr pitched a one-hitter with eight strikeouts, two walks and a hit batter and went 3 for 3, scoring both of the Warriors' runs. Beautiful townhouses lined the quiet roads the kind that seem to wear their history lightly but with pride A Rolls-Royce Phantom 2025 parked as I crossed the road Or is this just bling I’ve never quite seen the value in surrounded by shops that felt overblown – clothes a tad too chic After my short spring walk, I stepped into The Cadogan Hotels' The Lalee restaurant passed through a bustling open kitchen where a team of sous chefs and waiters buzzed like ants preparing for the Queen’s arrival I offered a smile and a hello in appreciation of their backbreaking work before entering a sweeping art deco alcove – a bright high-ceilinged reception room with bay windows where the last rays of the April sun threw gold against the white walls London buses decorated the view from the large Victorian windows – a touch of grit balancing the gloss Inside: Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut NV in hand citrusy acidity brought me back in the room – as though someone had pulled back a velvet curtain and let spring pour in I caught up with a few familiar faces from the wine world and soon the waiters glided through with plates of edible sculpture – caviar goat cheese – each one delicate and deliberate “My parents used to force-feed me caviar.” He laughed “That’s the start of your novel.” Thirty years later La Grande Dame 2018 and the art of Pinot Noir to mark the release of the 25th edition of La Grande Dame crafted by Michelin-starred chef Luke Selby reflected the Maison’s ‘garden gastronomy’ philosophy – rooted The first pour of La Grande Dame 2018 was a sensory exercise Didier guided us through an unexpected experiment – tasting the wine in two radically different glasses And he was right – it was like hearing the same chord in two different melodies the 2018 showed off its detail: stone fruit and citrus peel with a texture that was both taut and tingling Didier called it “a very precise vintage… sharp Almost Blanc de Blancs in style.” That freshness was no accident – it was carefully preserved through picking dates and winemaking restraint and with beautiful fruit came the winemaker’s challenge: “not to overdo it.” The 2018 vintage made a confident first impression – bright and vivid with the freshness and drive of a Côtes des Blancs Chardonnay marinated to softness and melt-in-the-mouth lightness with laser-focused acidity A sliver of asparagus added a green snap that mirrored the wine’s citrus edge and glazed with a miso-chilli dressing playfully dubbed “chilli crack.” Beneath it pickled kohlrabi and a sake-yuzu espuma added brightness and earthiness dusted with shichimi togarashi and served with shiso leaf a tiny touch of heat with texture and gentle perfume A pivot in pace came with Cotswold chicken with a rotund structure that unfolded slowly A lean nose gave way to flavours of rubber a winemaking approach that suppresses oxygen during fermentation and ageing allowing the wine to evolve gradually and hold its tension “I prefer reduction to oxidation,” he said the acidity had been so sharp that they had to taste fewer base wines each day – “normally we taste 25 It was that sharp.” But it’s precisely that acidity that gives the wine its longevity and clarity The final act came with a pour of the 1996 La Grande Dame – a vintage that’s become near-mythic for Champagne lovers Known as a “10-10” year for its rare balance of 10% alcohol and 10g/l acidity a sense of life that defies its nearly 30-year age “I don’t want wines that give you everything in the first minute “A wine must have verticality,” he told us A wine must be raised first (in its structure) before it can develop complexity.” And when asked about his greatest challenge “I want to leave vintages in the cellar that my successor will be proud to inherit – just like I inherited ‘96 and ‘08.” It’s that same word – legacy – that had crossed my mind hours earlier on the street outside wondering whether all that gloss and grandeur in Chelsea meant anything From Chelsea’s polished streets to the minerality in the glass the evening embodied both precision and pleasure the Pinot Noir – ever the chameleon – showed us just how many ways it can whisper The Buyer TVClick below to watch The Buyer's library of online debates, videos and webinars. LVMH strives to ensure the long-term development of each of its Maisons in keeping with their identity BackCOMMITMENTSCommitted to positive impact environmental and cultural initiatives with a long-term vision The Group works closely with numerous stakeholders that address important social issues BackMAISONSLVMH is home to 75 distinguished Maisons rooted in six different sectors each of our brands builds on a specialty legacy while keeping an unwavering focus on the exquisite caliber of its products Home Wines & Spirits Home Fashion & Leather goods Home Perfumes & Cosmetics Home Watches & Jewelry Home Selective Retailing Home Other activities BackJOINUSWith more than 75 prestigious Maisons covering six business sectors, LVMH offers boundless opportunities. Join us! LVMH x FORMULA 1®InvestorsBackINVESTORSLVMH with 84.7 billion euros revenue in 2024 and a retail network of over 6,300 stores worldwide an exceptional vintage that celebrates the audacity of Madame Clicquot Published on 04.24.2025 • 3 MINUTESWines & Spirits Veuve Clicquot unveils La Grande Dame 2018 a new vintage that celebrates the legacy of Madame Clicquot a visionary woman known in her time as “La grande dame de la Champagne” the finest”— this cuvée is an homage to the pioneer who in 1810 created the first ever vintage champagne Crafted from an exceptional blend dominated by 90% pinot noir – the Maison’s emblematic grape variety – La Grande Dame 2018 reveals Veuve Clicquot’s mastery in expressing the intensity and elegance of the pinot noir grape in an ideal balance With grapes sourced from eight of the Maison’s historic grands crus vineyards the 2018 vintage is the fruit of ideal climatic conditions and a generous harvest of perfectly ripe grapes giving birth to a wine with distinctive character La Grande Dame 2018 has a singular tension The nose reveals floral and mineral notes remarkable freshness and persistent salinity characterize this expressive cuvée Embodying the vision of Cellar Master Didier Mariotti this new release fully expresses the exacting precision and oenological excellence that are the signature of Veuve Clicquot grandes cuvees A celebration of the Maison’s terroir and unique style La Grande Dame 2018 embodies the solar elegance and pioneering spirit that have defined Veuve Clicquot for more than two centuries In conjunction with the launch of La Grande Dame 2018 Veuve Clicquot has also unveiled a new visual identity The design celebrates the Maison’s iconic yellow an evolution that marks a significant milestone for La Grande Dame introducing an identity designed to grace each new vintage in years to come Next slide Open the gallery Latest newsAll news News LVMHVeuve Clicquot unveils La Grande Dame 2018 an exceptional vintage that celebrates the audacity of Madame Clicquot COPYRIGHTS We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings we will not be able to save your preferences This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again This website uses Google Analytics to collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site Keeping this cookie enabled helps us to improve our website Please enable Strictly Necessary Cookies first so that we can save your preferences More information about our Cookie Policy on our Privacy Policy 17"Breakup Season," starring Samantha Isler (left) and Chandler Riggs (right) It follows a young couple that plans to spend Christmas together only to break up on the first night of their vacation If you’re not a fan of traditional holiday movies, “Breakup Season” might be for you. It follows a young couple that plans to spend Christmas together, only to break up on the first night of their vacation. A snowstorm makes travel impossible, meaning they’re stuck together for the holiday. The movie was entirely filmed in Eastern Oregon featuring shots of downtown La Grande and the surrounding snow-capped hills and valleys Nelson Tracey developed “Breakup Season” through a residency with the Eastern Oregon Film Festival He joins us to talk about his debut feature film and why it was important to set it in La Grande Note: The following transcript was transcribed digitally and validated for accuracy readability and formatting by an OPB volunteer Dave Miller: This is Think Out Loud on OPB the new holiday movie “Breakup Season” is not in the Hallmark movie mold It does feature a character who goes back to his small town childhood home for Christmas but it focuses not on the beginning of a relationship It follows a young couple who break up on the first night of their vacation and then are stuck together after a snowstorm closes down roads – in this case Nelson Tracey developed “Breakup Season” through a residency at the Eastern Oregon Film Festival His debut feature takes place and was shot entirely on location in La Grande It’s available for rent right now on all the major streaming services Miller: What was the initial spark for this movie Tracey: I had been rattling this idea around for well over a decade from just an offhanded comment It was during the holidays around this time of year My friend is so mad at their brother right now He brought his girlfriend home for Christmas They broke up and now she’s stuck with us for the rest of the holiday.” The funny thing is my sister doesn’t even remember who the friend was Years went by and I lived some of my own life and figured out how to make that into not just a fun concept but a grounded take on what relationships are like families and all that mix of stuff that happens there Miller: One of your characters says that December 11 is the day that couples are most likely to break up on and there are a lot of sites that will tell you that the couple weeks preceding December 25 or January 1 is that I had been working on this movie for a while It had an old title and then I stumbled across that exact fact that according to Meta and Facebook’s data December 11 is the most common day to break up of the year And it makes a lot of sense because it is two weeks to the day before Christmas And you’re not gonna want to bring someone home for the holidays that … Imagine if you break up with someone after Christmas and everyone who just met your significant other at the Christmas party says whatever happened to so and so?” And you’re like So it’s better to cut your losses ahead of the holiday season the term “breakup season” came [into] play We just sort of lumped that into our movie cause it already made sense and tracked with the story I had I looked at some texts and I realized I was broken up with on December 13 So the person I was dating was always running late anyway So that makes sense why they were two days behind the date I already did say that this is not a Hallmark Christmas movie did they assume that that’s what you were working on everyone just assumed … even people just said there’s a Hallmark movie being made in La Grande,” because Christmas and Hallmark are so synonymous I didn’t set out to make a holiday movie per se But Christmas is in fact the only high stakes holiday “Oh just ride it out.” But not only with weather obviously in Christmas is when you get bad weather and things like that but it’s a stressful time of year and I think that … My reflection of Christmas but it’s a challenging time of year for me and for my family And I wanted to make a holiday movie that maybe feels a little more real to what people [inaudible] … The best kind of compliment I can get is that people who love Christmas movies really enjoy this movie and people who hate Christmas movies can also get a lot out of this movie Miller: I’ll just say there are a lot of high stakes holidays for families out there that celebrate various versions of holidays Let’s listen to a scene from early on in the movie This is when the two main characters that I mentioned And they’re whispering here because they’re right upstairs from his whole family And I realized that in order to have the independence that I need I feel guilty for wanting nights to myself But we are always rushing into the next plan And maybe it’s because I don’t feel the way you do Miller: That is a scene from the movie “Breakup Season,” the debut feature by filmmaker how did you think about the reasons for this breakup Tracey: It was really important to me that this was a kind of a two-handed situation I knew that if the breakup was because Ben was a really horrible person or he had done something that really crossed the line the audience would lose their sympathy for him And in order for the whole conceit to work but it couldn’t be something that there was no point of no return from that’s the experience I had with the relationships I’ve been in It’s not usually this catalyst cataclysmic event mind you – which is the age of the characters – that this isn’t what it’s gonna be and it’s gonna need to end here Miller: Ben’s attempts to convince Cassie to take him back are essentially just one cringy Tracey: I think that it’s funny because people – I’ve seen this with a lot of audiences – and everyone feels that man.” And I’ve had people shout at the screen at him not to keep doing what he’s doing that I’ve made those mistakes before and I’m not the only guy in the world And so it wasn’t me attempting to make him the worst person in the world I think just that is often the emergency panic mode that sets in post-breakup Miller: I started with these two because they are at the beginning of the movie and they are part of the core of it It’s their breakup that is a central drama they’re stuck in Ben’s childhood home with Ben’s whole family loves trains and is a little bit of an oddball And Mia is a little bit stern but has a heart of gold on the inside and still lives in his parents’ house and he’s almost 30 believes in true love and flogging every step of the way still wide-eyed and bushy-tailed about love and relationships I want to play another scene from the movie This is where this dad has taken Ben … He’s been directed by his wife to provide some comfort to [his] son When he knows a freight train is going to be passing this is part of the shouted conversation that ensues She was the most stable thing I’ve ever had Kirby: You’re trying to hold on to that girl The only possible outcome is to get your hand chopped off Miller: Can you tell us what it was like to shoot that scene that’s one that was really pulled straight from La Grande I mentioned I had this concept for a long time but having spent a lot of time in La Grande it feels like a model train village and it’s a train depot So passing-by trains and my time there really informed me I wanted to do a scene where you were as close to the trains as possible because that is something I’ve done when I’ve been in Le Grande but we were told the most reliable train we could possibly count on would be there at noon that day to kind of give us a heads up if a train was coming let’s roll this one as a test to make sure we get all the kinks out before the noon train.” The train you see in the movie is that 10:15 train two cameras – miracles happen if you want to make indie movies Miller: What prompted you to make a film in La Grande in the first place Tracey: A lot of people assume I’m from there I started going there for the Eastern Oregon Film Festival which is run by Christopher Jennings and is one of the coolest film festivals in the world It’s been ranked that by MovieMaker Magazine but you wouldn’t know it because it has so much heart and aspirations And Chris and I really put our heads together cause he was like “we’re really looking to bring film production to this region.” And the state of Oregon has a lot of support for indie movies that other states don’t have So I kind of put on both my creative thinking cap and also my producer’s thinking cap in terms of what would it be like to bring a film production to this region I got to work and I spent the better part of the next few years figuring out how to make that dream into a reality Miller: What was the premiere in La Grande like in October so obviously we shot the movie about a year-and-a-half ago We packed the biggest auditorium in La Grande – 420 people And it was just electric from start to finish There were moments of just cascading laughter It was like the audience was getting an inside joke All kinds of just specific in-humor around La Grande And then certain landmarks would show up and people would clap or a local would make a cameo and people would cheer we brought out all the cast on stage and everyone got up on their feet We got our first standing ovation and it was just pure movie magic Miller: Do you think you’ll ever do another movie set in La Grande or in Eastern Oregon Tracey: This is my first feature and so it’s really important to me that my second film is not in La Grande because I don’t want to become “the La Grande guy,” if that makes sense What I mean by that is there were so many other locations I did not touch at all that I think another filmmaker could fully use for filmmaking purposes my sites need to be elsewhere so that I’m not known as “the La Grande guy.” Miller: Nelson Tracey’s debut feature film is called “Breakup Season.” It’s a dramedy about a couple who break up during their Christmas vacation that takes place in La Grande If you’d like to comment on any of the topics in this show or suggest a topic of your own, please get in touch with us on Facebook, send an email to thinkoutloud@opb.org or you can leave a voicemail for us at 503-293-1983 The call-in phone number during the noon hour is 888-665-5865 Tags: Think Out Loud, Holiday, Movies, Eastern Oregon Stand with OPB and protect independent journalism for everyone Listen to the OPB News live stream (opens new window)Streaming Now Gemma covered local news for WVPE in South Bend and helped produce a weekly news magazine at WUGA in Athens She graduated from the University of Georgia in 2020 with a degree in journalism and certificates in new media and sustainability.\n Lynn blamed the closure of La Grande Orange and Luggage Room in Pasadena on high expenses and continued difficulties related to maintaining the historic property saying efforts to remedy the situation with ownership proved futile “We honestly wish that we could remain in operation for many years to come and contribute to the community’s recovery after the trauma of COVID and now the wildfires that have caused so much pain and destruction,” says Lynn in an emailed statement from the restaurant Lynn continues to operate the Misfit in Santa Monica and will reopen his long-closed restaurant Ingo’s Tasty Diner on Wilshire Boulevard in inland Santa Monica as Diner Antonette later this year Two weeks ago, the city shut down high-end Sinaloan food truck Del Mar Ostioneria due to complaints from neighboring businesses, stating that it was parked too close to brick-and-mortar restaurants, according to owner Roberto Perez. The Miracle Mile area has a long history of hostility toward food trucks who is working on a brick-and-mortar location as well as a new parking space for his popular seafood truck in the coming weeks KTLA 5 has a report on classic diner Du-Pars on the corner of West Third and Fairfax struggling in the last few years since the onset of the pandemic and The restaurant has been open for nearly 90 years but has missed late-night crowds in more recent ones on Fridays and Saturdays with a new blue plate special Sinaloan carne asada and flour tortilla specialist El Ruso in Echo Park is opening a mariscos truck in a few weeks called Mariscos La Negra A post shared by Mariscos La Negra Llc (@mariscoslanegrala) Chef Paco Moran’s spring omakase menu at Loreto drops on Wednesday, April 2. Reservations are only available from April 2 to April 9; each dinner will feature a 10-course tasting menu for $160 (before drinks Highlights include raw chocolate clams prepared with tomatoes a gorgeous cooked half-moon clam in aguachile You don't have permission to access the page you requested What is this page?The website you are visiting is protected.For security reasons this page cannot be displayed Try a different filter or a new search keyword Get all 36 Rodrigo Amado releases available on Bandcamp and save 40% Streaming and Download help Redeem code Beautiful complement to Peter's more angular and abstract work This one grooves hard but also takes you to places you've never been And Daunik signing one of his strongest performances on record supported by 33 fans who also own “La Grande Crue” The five sets in this collection are incredible Hope to get a chance to see this band live one day Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp Marion Brown’s “Why Not” Is a Sweet Glimpse of Midcentury Free Jazz Backxwash joins the show to discuss her recent release and it includes never-before-seen footage of Céline Dion's rehearsal Picture by Olympic ChannelBy Scott BregmanLa Grande Seine - The Full Story, a behind-the-scenes docuseries on the Opening Ceremony for the Olympic Games Paris 2024 The 90-minute documentary chronicles the truly once-in-a-lifetime spectacle and the mammoth years-long effort behind putting on the Paris Opening which took place along a 6km stretch of the iconic Seine River and at Trocadero La Grande Seine includes never-before-seen footage of global icon Céline Dion's rehearsal with less than 24 hours until showtime As the first opening of the Olympic Games not held in the Olympic stadium this historical event in the heart of the Olympic city brought the vision and creativity of Paris 2024 to life The Olympic Channel was granted exclusive access to capture the monumental efforts behind-the-scenes of this groundbreaking event Directed by renowned French producer and director this unprecedented access allowed for an in-depth look at the sensitive discussions and intricate planning involved WATCH: The last episode of La Grande Seine: The Full Story Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony making-of | TrailerGo behind the scenes of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony preparations as a small team of dedicated individuals defy all odds to create an unforgettable show "This documentary chronicles an extraordinary two-year adventure following the dedicated team behind the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony," said Herrero known for his highly creative approach and unique filming style Even with the confidentiality surrounding the preparations Paris 2024 leadership and their dedicated teams as well as Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS) graciously opened their doors to the Olympic Channel’s cameras for an unparalleled perspective of the Opening Ceremony preparations "This documentary embodies the boundless possibilities when ambition meets perseverance For the Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games we dared to envision something audacious and totally unique," said Tony Estanguet President of the Paris 2024 Organising Committee OBS Chief Executive Director and Olympic Channel Services (OCS) Executive Director “What Manuel and the Olympic Channel team have accomplished with ‘La Grande Seine’ transcends the typical documentary format – it’s a vibrant celebration of innovation and the unwavering spirit that defines the essence of the Olympic Games Paris 2024." 10% off products and services for Chapman University students and faculty with school ID H. Nelson Tracey’s “Breakup Season” — one of my favorite films I’ve seen this year — takes what may be an unconventional approach to a serious topic The Christmas-set film tackles a tough break-up between its protagonists but a situation that may seem to be dramatic and saddening is presented Perhaps that wholesome attribute extended to the actual production of the film, which occurred in La Grande, Oregon, a location discovered by Tracey — a class of 2015 film production alumnus and the film’s director — through participating in the Eastern Oregon Film Festival.  In traveling to La Grande, Tracey and class of 2014 film production alumnus Stephen Mastrocola were met with open arms. The film’s premiere in the city received a standing ovation, its screenings were extended by a week and the film made more money there than in Los Angeles. On The Oregon Film Trail — a trail of 43 signs listing movies made in the state — “Breakup Season” already has its placard being enacted before the film’s release.  and we made it in a place that had really no movies had been shot there…  And so what started out as this blank canvas where we felt that we had no infrastructure it turned into just the opposite of that,” Mastrocola said.  He continued: “When we went into this community and asked for help and support in terms of locations in terms of goods and services and financing and grant money and access to things and all this stuff The Panther sat down with the two alumni to discuss the production of the film which has been embarking on a festival run.  The sense of community Mastrocola talks about extends to what’s followed the two alumni’s time at Chapman Chapman alumni have attended the premiere of the film purely from being told about it through the alumni community or remembering Tracey; at one point some of his fraternity brothers almost provided financing when they realized he was asking for funding and somebody I went to Chapman with who I had not seen in nine years showed up because she saw a LinkedIn post and was like ‘I remember seeing your bowling movie… and it was great so I came and brought my boyfriend to come see your movie,’ nine years later ‘This is special,’” Tracey told The Panther there are only a few film school students who truly obsess over watching every film they can He and Mastrocola met through mutual friends in a group of students with that obsession.  I mean our idea of fun on a Friday night was hitting the DVD library and finding 10 things to keep us busy for the weekend and Nelson and I were a part of all that,” Mastrocola said.  The two’s friendship matured across their time in LA but outside of talking about movies and their goals The two film production alumni truly reconnected on the production of “Breakup Season,” and they’re not the only Chapman alumni on the production Class of 2015 theater alumnae Molly Welsh was the film’s production coordinator while class of 2013 film production alumnus Almog Avidan Antonir edited the film.  “Breakup Season” follows young couple Ben (Chandler Riggs) and Cassie (Samantha Isler) visiting Ben’s family for Christmas — only to break up nearly on arrival When Cassie is unable to leave and travel home to her family she is forced to spend the holiday season with Ben’s family “I kind of made this movie for my 23-year-old self and I think that first year out of college is really tough and breakups are usually a part of that equation because it’s really hard to maintain a relationship post-grad with the person you met in college,” Tracey said “I think the best compliments I get are about the healing process that comes with a breakup and that experience and I love talking to people about that.”  ‘Breakups are tough,’ and I’m never gonna sugar-coat that ‘but you will get through it,’ and this is a movie that’s meant to depict that sincerely.”  Tracey hopes that the film will resonate with audiences akin to future college graduates people on the precipice of entering a new stage in life: what’s the dating scene like in that kind of sphere He didn’t intend for the film to be Christmas-set but found that holiday being the most heightened for this type of story It has to be Christmas because there’s no other high-stakes holiday no problem… But Christmas is stressful… and there’s a weather component and so I kind of fell into the holiday genre as a result.”   it’s important to just dive into production and keep moving forward.  one of the biggest things that I learned was ‘Getting your movie made is a game of momentum,’” Mastrocola said “There’s a lot of fear that disguises itself as progress getting notes from your friends and browsing through locations and all these different things that feel like you’re prepping your film.”  He continued: “But really you gotta put that start date on the books and just beg borrow and steal until you get the resources that you need the location that’s gonna work for your project creatively and logistically.”  A time in his Chapman experience that stood out to Mastrocola was the work he got to do on the set of Sofia Coppola’s “The Bling Ring” when he was a sophomore When he became aware that the accomplished director was filming the project in LA he coordinated with his friends to get onto the set.  “I remember I went into a class and Kevin, my buddy, said, ‘I’ll make some calls and see what I can dig up,’ ‘cause we had an IMDb Pro account…” he told The Panther I skipped a lot of classes to go and work on that set it’s not about the nuts and bolts of filmmaking but what I learned was saying ‘yes’ to opportunities even if they feel like they don’t make sense for you at a certain time just always being open to venturing into unknown territories in film because the people that you’ll meet and the connections that you’ll make are what will propel you to that next thing.”  Mastrocola’s advice to take opportunities doesn’t just apply to professional work; he’s seen it prove beneficial within the Chapman sphere “I think that applies towards what’s within the film school as well because we would go to every screening and make sure to shake hands with the guest speaker afterwards and be really engaged in all the Q&As that they would provide and things like that,” he said “I know so many people got a really meaningful professional connection out of those kinds of events and experiences.”  Tracey thinks back on advice he’s heard about the “first feature.”  At a Sundance Film Festival, Dee Rees, the director of “Pariah,” conveyed to Tracey that he should make a low-budget first feature as climbing up the short filmmaking ladder is time consuming While he acknowledged the importance of short filmmaking Tracey didn’t think they were extremely impactful in opening doors for him.  “The advice I give that’s very practical is ‘Make some damn good short films at Chapman,’ because that’s the model ‘but don’t expect those to be a calling card,’” Tracey said how can I most efficiently make feature number one?’’ because that’s what’s gonna open doors that’s where you’re gonna get actual calling card-type emails and things like that…”  Mastrocola summed up this advice in one sentence.  your first feature is the new short film,” he said.  Discover the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony full preparations from first sketches until the very end of the show as a small team of dedicated individuals defy all odds to create one of the most incredible TV shows that has ever-been produced as a small team of dedicated individuals defy all odds to create one of the most incredible TV shows that has ever-been produced.